DEVO, the iconic '80s new wave band, has secured a Netflix release for their latest documentary, set to premiere on the platform August 19.
The self-titled film originally premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it was well received by audiences.
Rolling Stone critic David Fear praised the documentary, writing, “Devo lets you know that it’s the definitive portrait of an art project by mimicking its subject’s Dada-meets-deadpan-humor aesthetic.”
The film explores the band’s early beginnings, focusing on founding members Mark and BobMothersbaugh, Gerald and Bob Casale and drummer Alan Myers — and how their path into music was shaped by a national tragedy.
In 1970, the Kent State shooting, where four students were killed by the Ohio National Guard during a Vietnam War protest, deeply impacted the band members.
That moment sparked DEVO’s core ideology of “de-evolution,” the idea that mankind may be regressing rather than progressing.
This theme became central to DEVO’s identity, influencing their name, sound, visual art and famously satirical performances.
The documentary also chronicles the band’s rise to fame, particularly after the release of their breakout hit “Whip It.” The film features rare archival footage and in-depth interviews with band members and other collaborators.
In the lead-up to the film’s release, DEVO will launch a YouTube video series titled Devolutionary Times, where they’ll upload newly restored versions of their classic music videos and films every two weeks.
The series kicks off this week with their 1976 short film The Truth About De-Evolution, directed by Chuck Statler. On July 18, it continues with their take on “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”
The celebration coincides with the band’s 50+ year milestone. Formed in Akron, Ohio in 1973, DEVO gained major-label attention with their debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, produced with support from David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
Their 1980 smash hit “Whip It” peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple in MTV history, cementing DEVO’s place in pop culture.
Currently on their farewell tour, which kicked off in May and runs through August, DEVO will extend their sendoff with the Cosmic De-Evolution Tour. The band will co-headline alongside The B-52s in 11 cities, including Los Angeles, Austin and Toronto.
They’ll also make a special appearance with My Chemical Romance in Chicago this August.
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